15 Great Towns and Villages Near Glasgow

Are you looking for a new destination to escape the business of the city? This guide lists the best 23 towns and villages near Glasgow for you to explore and visit. 

Glasgow is located on the west side of Scotland and is not far from Ayrshire, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Argyll, Stirlingshire and Perthshire.

Near the city, there are rolling green hills, brilliant mountain landscapes and crystal clear Scottish spring water. Also, there are hidden gem villages dotted along the loch. 

Aberfoyle

Aberfoyle is a charming village located on the banks of the River Forth next to the superb Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. Go Ape is nearby and you can enjoy zip lines and the high rocks course in the forest.

Visitors can learn about the area’s natural beauty and history of the area at the Trossachs Discovery Centre. Also, the Scottish Wool Centre is informative and provides an insight into the story of wool, including spinning and working sheepdogs.

A couple of lochs are near Aberfoyle. You can explore the surroundings of Loch Ard on the Loch Ard Sculpture Trail or sail the SS Sir Walter Scott on Loch Katrine.

Things to do in Aberfoyle

• Loch Katrine
• Loch Ard
• SS Sir Walter Scott
• Loch Ard Sculpture Trail
• Scottish Wool Centre
• Trossachs Discovery Centre
• Go Ape

Arrochar

Arrochar is a pretty village located along the shores of Loch Long in the Cowal Peninsula. Long Long is one of the stunning lochs located in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. 

You can get stunning views from a mountain called The Cobbler (Ben Arthur). Or you can climb Beinn Ime or Ben Narnain for scenic views of Arrochar, Long Long, and Loch Lomond National Park are as far as Ailsa Craig in the south and the Lawers range in the east. 

Also, in Arrochar, there is a good selection of bars, restaurants and cafes in the village. 

Arrochar is located near a village called Tarbet. Tarbet is located on the shores of Loch Lomond and you can get magnificent views of Ben Lomond.

Things to do in Arrochar

• Loch Long
• The Cobbler
• Ben Vane
• Beinn Ime
• Ben Vorlich
• West Highland Line

Blantyre

Blantyre is the birthplace of famed explorer David Livingston and is located on the River Clyde. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Blantyre was the centre of cotton-related products and coal mining. 

David Livingston’s Birthplace is surrounded by parkland near the River Clyde. Visitors can follow the footpaths here and view Bothwell Castle and Blantyre Priory.

Things to do in Blantyre

• Bothwell Castle
• David Livingston Birthplace

Dumbarton 

Dumbarton is a town located on the River Clyde – west of Glasgow. Long ago in the fifth century, Dumbarton was once the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Strathclyde.

The town’s establishment was so successful due to Dumbarton Castle being located on volcano rock. The well-exposed rock was formed 350 million years ago.

Overtoun Estate has a variety of landscapes, wooded glens and gorges. The estate is located on the west of the town. The mansion on the estate dates back to 1859. 

Denny Tank Museum is one of the town’s most popular visitor attractions. In the museum, visitors can learn about Clyde’s shipbuilding.

Things to do in Dumbarton

• Dumbarton Castle
• Overtoun House
• Denny Tank Museum
• Balloch Castle and Country Park

East Kilbride

East Kilbride is one of the largest towns in South Lanarkshire. It was established after World War II as one of the new town developments to deal with overcrowding in Glasgow. 

There is a variety of parks in East Kilbride. Calderglen Country Park is a lovely park which features the ruins of Calderglen Castle and Craigneith Castle.

James Hamilton Heritage Park is another park which features a lake and water sport facilities which are overlooked by the privately owned tower house – Mains Castle.

Things to East Kilbride

• Calderglen Country Park and Zoo
• National Museum of Rural Life
• James Hamilton Heritage Park

Greenock

Greenock grew from a fishing community to become the first dock on the Clyde in 1711. Back in the 18th and 19th centuries, Greenock was most famous for ships, steam and sugar. 

A fun fact about Greenock is that the person behind the discovery of steam power, James Watt, was born here. There is a museum, scientific library and statue to commemorate Watt. 

Visitors can view the impressive Victorian buildings including the 245-foot Victoria Tower which remains incomplete.

Also, the town is home to the McLean Museum and Art Gallery, Old West Kirk, the Clyde Torpedo Factory and the world’s first Burns Club.

Nearby to Greenock is Greenock Cut in the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. The area is home to some of the best walks in Scotland and offers amazing views across the Clyde. 

The Greenock Cut Visitor Centre has an interactive exhibition and café. Finally, visitors can head to Lunderston Bay which is one of the closest sandy beaches to Glasgow.

Things to do in Greenock

• Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park
• Greenock Cut
• Lyle Hill
• McLean Museum and Art Gallery
• The Beacon Arts Centre
• Lunderston Bay
• The Watt Institute
• Newark Castle

Hamilton

Hamilton is a lovely historic town located in the heart of Lanarkshire between Motherwell and East Kilbride. Many landmarks in the town were constructed by the Dukes of Hamilton. 

The Hamilton Mausoleum lies on the grounds of the previous Hamilton Palace and is the resting place for the Hamilton family. Two important buildings in Motherwell are Low Parks Museum and Hamilton Old Parish Church.

In Chatelherault Country Park you can enjoy one of the many trails, have a coffee at the Oaks Café and explore the ruins of Cadzow Castle.

Things to do in Hamilton

• Chatelherault Country Park
• Hamilton Mausoleum
• Low Parkes Museum 
• Hamilton Old Parish Church

Helensburgh

Helensburgh is a small town northwest of Glasgow. The settlement is located between the Clyde, Gare Loch and Loch Lomond.

Helensburgh was established as a holiday town for wealthy merchants. Lady Helen-Colquhoun, the wife of Sir James Colquhoun, encouraged people to escape from the smog of the city in Glasgow and to come and enjoy the fresh air in the new town. 

On a visit to Helensburgh, you can explore Duchess Woods or explore Geilston Garden. The town is the final stop on the 150-kilometre Argyll Sea Kayak Trail. 

On a clear day, you can sit on the banks of River Clyde and get nice views across to Greenock and Rosneath. Helensburgh is the starting point for the John Muir Way. 

There are lovely formal gardens and places to have picnics at the Hermitage Park or Geilston Gardens. At Hill House, you can explore the finest domestic masterpiece by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. 

Things to do in Helensburgh

• West Highland Railway Line
• Argyll Kayak Trail
• The Hill House
• John Muir Way

Killin

Killin is located on the northeast boundary of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. There is so much beautiful scenery surrounding Killin, the village is set at the foot of the Breadalbane Mountains. 

There is a variety of walks to enjoy for those who love the outdoors. The Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve is nearby, there is a selection of Munros to bag in this area.

For keen walkers, the peak of Sron a’Chlachain, a peak of 400 metres and enjoy the news of Loch Tay. In addition, Killin has some of the best Salmon fishing in Scotland. 

One of the things Killin is most well known for is the Falls of Dochart. The rapids run through the village and you can soak in the atmosphere at the Falls of Dochart Inn. 

Things to do in Killin

• Falls of Dochart
• Finlarig Castle
• Sron a’Chlachain
• Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve

Lanark & New Lanark

Lanark is a small town with plenty of charm located south of Glasgow. There is plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors in Lanark. 

Visitors can explore the World Heritage Site at New Lanark and views the mesmerising Falls of Clyde. The site is perfect for history buffs and engineering nerds and features a mill, café, a water wheel and a hotel. 

New Lanark is one of the six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Scotland. The location was founded in 1786 by David Dale who built cotton mills and homes for workers by the River Clyde.

In 1799, leading industrialist Robert Owen took over the mill and the village transformed into a socialist utopia at a time when workers were often exploited to death.

Castlebank Park and Clyde Valley Woodlands Reserve are located near the main street in Lanark. There are great places to go for peace and quiet.

Things to do Lanark

• Castlebank Park
• Clyde Valley Woodlands Reserve
• Falls of Clyde

Largs

Largs is a charming seaside resort located on the west coast of Scotland. There is a small Victorian promenade and a choice of ice cream parlours and shops. 

It is nice to take a stroll along the waterfront and admire the views of the Isle of Cumbrae in the water. Largs Yacht Haven is the largest marina in Scotland. 

Just outside the town are Kelburn Castle and Country Park. The 13th-century castle in the park has impressive bright bold graffiti art on the side of the castle. 

Things to do in Largs

• Vikingar! Leisure Centre
• Pencil Monument
• Largs Yacht Haven 
• Kelburn Castle & Country Park

Lennoxtown

Lennoxtown is a town located at the foot of Campsie Fells in East Dunbartonshire. The town has a good selection of local shops and a wide variety of cafes and pubs to eat in.

One of the most notable buildings in Lennoxtown is the ruined Campsie High Kirk. The kirk was built in the early 19th century and was destroyed in the 1980s.

Lennox Castle was commissioned by John Lennox Kincaid and was designed by David Hamilton. Lennox Castle was used as a maternity and mental hospital until 2002 and is now a ruin as it was destroyed in a fire in 2008.

Things to do in Lennoxtown

• Lennox Castle
• Clachan of Campsie
• Campsie High Kirk

Luss

Luss is a stunning village located on the banks of Loch Lomond in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The village is less than an hour’s drive away from Glasgow.

The conservation village dates back to medieval times. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it was housing for workers for nearby slate quarries.

There are rows of cottages that have gorgeous flowers that come to life during the Spring and Summer months. A good place to o for a great photo opportunity is Pier Road, the round has a loch and tall mountains in the background.

From Luss, you can take a boat trip to see the numerous islands in Loch Lomond. Also, a good activity for everyone of all ages in Loch Lomond Faerie Trail, this is a great mystical route.

Ben Lomond is located on the opposite side of the loch and it towers over the village. The small beach is a lovely location for wild swimming or sunbathing.

There is a golfing championship that is held at Rossdhu House every year in July. Luss is a good stop-off point while exploring the Loch Lomond area. 

Things to do in Luss

• Loch Lomond Faerie Trail
• Rossdhu House

Milngavie

Milngavie is a town north of Glasgow. The name is pronounced ‘mill-guy’ and is known as being the starting point for the West Highland Way.

Back in the 18th century, the town was a small village. Remains of the village can be seen at the Corbie Ha’ meeting hall, Cross Keys Pub and Gavins Mill watermill. 

Mugdock Country Park is home to the castle ruins of Mugdock Castle and Craigend Castle. Also, Craigmaddie and Mugdock are lovely perfect reservoirs that are popular places for a stroll.

The Whangie is also known as Queens View and is another lovely area. There are great well defined paths with stunning views towards Loch Lomond and the Campsie Fells.

The Devil’s Pulpit is a stunning waterfall area where the green moss on the walls of the gorge contrasts with the bold red sandstone. To get there you will have to go down Jacob’s Ladder. 

Things to do in Milngavie

• Mugdock Country Park
• Blairskaith Linn
• West Highland Way
• The Whangie
• Glengoyne Distillery
• The Devils Pulpit

Motherwell

Motherwell becomes a town due to the popular steel and coal industries. At the North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre, visitors can learn about the history of the area all the way from the Roman era.

One of the most notable buildings in Motherwell is the Motherwell Cathedral and Dalzell House on the outskirts. Motherwell Concert Hall is a good venue for concerts and other shows.

On the outskirts of Motherwell and Hamilton, you can find Strathclyde Country Park. The country park has a theme park, water sports facilities, remains of a Roman Fort and a bath house.

Things to do in Motherwell

• Strathclyde Country Park
• Motherwell Cathedral
• Dalzell Estate

Paisley

Paisley is one of the biggest towns in the west of Scotland. There is a rich history in the textile industry and a rich heritage which began almost 1,000 years ago. 

Paisley Abbey is a historical landmark with links to Robert the Bruce, William Wallace and many other important figures.

Another outstanding historical building to visit is one of the most stunning Baptist churches in Europe – Thomas Coats Memorial Church. 

There are a dozen or so features which honour the textile industry – Anchor Mills, Sma’ Shot Cottages and The Paisley Thread Museum. Paisley Museum is home to examples of Paisley shawls, working looms and pattern books.

Gleniffer Braes Country Park has lovely viewpoints across Glasgow and Paisley, Craigie Linn and Paisley Golf Club. 

Things to do in Paisley

• Paisley Abbey
• Gleniffer Braes Country Park
• Coats Observatory
• Anchor Mills
• Sma’ Shot Cottages
• The Paisley Thread Museum

Other towns and villages near Glasgow

• Bellshill
• Bishopbriggs
• Carluke
• Coatbridge
• Cumbernauld
• Kirkintilloch
• Johnstone
• Newton Mearns
• Port Glasgow
• Renfrew
• Stepps
• Wishaw

What towns are on the outskirts of Glasgow?

There are plenty of towns on the outskirts of Glasgow. These are Kilsyth, Cumbernauld, Coatbridge, Airdrie, Bellshill, Hamilton, East Kilbride, Newton Mearns, Paisley Renfrew, Greenock, Port Glasgow, Bishopbriggs, Kirkintilloch, Milngavie and Dumbarton. 

Final Note

Glasgow is the main city in Scotland. This post is a great guide of towns and villages near Glasgow.

There are so many nice towns and villages near Glasgow to explore. 

Some of the towns and villages explore the past and cultural influences that have shaped the west side of Scotland today. The towns were once part of the shipbuilding industry, cotton, steel, coal and textile industries. 

Also, some of the towns and villages are perfectly located near Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. There are plenty of fun touristy attractions to take part in or you can simply enjoy a walk in nature. 

There is a wide variety of museums, country parks, ruined castles, waterfalls and golf courses. The towns and villages near Glasgow are perfect places to explore for a day or afternoon if you are visiting Glasgow.